“After this fight, Moses fights Usyk. We would be so sold out, it would do massive, massive numbers,” Warren told iFL TV. “The WBC is the next one. If he doesn’t fight him, then he’ll have to vacate it. If he does come through … that will determine whether he fights for the world title this year.”
The math just doesn’t favor Itauma if he specifically chases Usyk. As of March 2026, Usyk has been incredibly vocal about his “three and out” plan. He’s not just looking for fights; he’s looking for a legacy-defining exit.
Usyk’s final three-fight plan
Fight 1: Rico Verhoeven (May 23, 2026): This is the immediate hurdle. Even though it is a cross fight, the WBC has approved it as a voluntary defense.
Fight 2: Wardley-Dubois Winner: Usyk wants the winner of the May 9 clash to further consolidate or defend his status against the top of the next British generation.
Fight 3: Tyson Fury III: The “Greedy Belly” trilogy is the grand finale Usyk wants at Wembley to close the book.
Why is Itauma probably unhappy. For Itauma to get Usyk, one of two things has to happen, and neither seems likely:
1. The WBC enforces a mandatory: Even if Itauma beats Franklin this Saturday and wins a final eliminator later this year, the WBC has already ruled that the Usyk-Verhoeven winner must face interim champion Agit Kabayel next. That pushes any other mandatory back to 2027 – past Usyk’s retirement date.
2. Usyk changes his mind: Usyk is 39. He has already reached undisputed status twice. There is very little incentive for him to take a high-risk, lower-reward fight against a 21-year-old powerhouse like Itauma when he could be relaxing in Kiev.
The reality for Itauma. His best shot at a world title is to fight for the vacant belts once Usyk retires. If Usyk beats Fury in the trilogy and hangs them up, those titles will be scattered. As the current WBA and WBO #1, Itauma will be first in line to fight for those vacant belts, likely against whoever remains between Wardley, Dubois or Kabayel.
Frank Warren is pushing the “world title in 2026” narrative to keep the hype going, but unless Usyk’s retirement plan falls apart, Itauma is chasing a ghost.
